Lives could be put at risk should a fire break out in some buildings in Bundoran and Ballyshannon in Co Donegal, it has been claimed.
Although each town has a modern fire tender and rescue equipment, neither has the appropriate extension ladder and "platform". In the event of people being trapped on upper floors of tall buildings, it would be necessary to call the Sligo fire brigade which is over 30 minutes away.
There has been a considerable amount of building in recent years in both towns, and notably in Bundoran, which is a major holiday resort. One fire service source said: "Planning permission has been given for buildings which are beyond the levels that we presently have equipment for."
Now a row is developing over the future development of fire services in the area. Local politicians and fire service personnel are opposing Donegal County Council's plans to build a new fire station at Finner, between Bundoran and Ballyshannon, rather than upgrading the stations in each town.
The council has drawn up proposals for a new three-bay fire station. This, it says, would cost €900,000 less that developing two new two-bay fire stations in each town.
According to the Chief Fire Officer's report, a single station at Finner would serve a geographical area and population well below the national average, and would provide better facilities for the training and welfare of its members.
However, local fire service personnel and politicians say that both communities wish to retain their fire stations. They say that the new station would require only 15 firemen as opposed to 18 at present. Furthermore, all the firemen are part-time and must live within 1.5 miles of the station. Only two of the current firemen are within the distance from the Finner site.
"It's absolute bonkers what they are proposing. We would prefer to see two stations developed separately," the fire service source said.
Bundoran councillor, Mr Seán McEniff, said council officials are "ignoring the public representatives and the wishes of the people of the area".
However, Mr Jim Holohan of Donegal County Council said that an analysis carried out suggested a single station would provide "a level of service that is far superior to what exists at present".